Arrest Made In Connection With Over 40 Contra Costa Arson Incidents, Vehicle Fires

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA -- A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday morning on suspicion of over 40 arson incidents around Contra Costa County, according to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Fire officials said in a coordinated effort with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office and Investigators along with the California Highway Patrol and both the Lafayette and Concord police departments, the man was located around 1 a.m. May 13 in Benicia.

According to fire officials, the man was in the driveway of a home and allegedly set fire to a vehicle when officers approached him.

He was immediately taken into custody brought to the Concord police department for questioning and his car was towed and searched for evidence. A search warrant was also executed to search his home for
additional evidence.

The man was arrested on suspicion of 43 different arson incidents and is being held on $3.1 million bail. Fire officials said the suspects name is not being released at this time.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Getty Images